A Study in #1 Chapters 1-8 13 Lessons Prepared by: Paul E. Cantrell 2009
A Study of ROMANS #1 -- Chapters 1-8 13 Lessons Prepared by: Paul E. Cantrell 84 Northview Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 2009
Table of Contents "A Study of Romans (Chs. 1-8)" (#1) Lesson Topic Reading 1 -- Introduction to the Book of Romans" 1:1-7 2 -- Paul's Willingness to impart the Gospel 1:8-16 3 -- Gentile World's Sinful Condition 1:17-32 4 -- Jewish World's Sinful Condition 2:1-3:8 5 -- Man's only Hope lies in Faith in Jesus 3:9-31 6 -- Abraham, Example of Justification 4:1-12 7 -- Justification is by Grace Through Faith 4:13-5:11 8 -- Man's Loss in Adam Regained in Christ 5:12-21 9 -- The Loosing from the Hold of Sin 6:1-23 10-- The Struggle to Keep Law 7:1-25 11-- The Struggle of the Flesh and Spirit 8:1-17 12-- Children of God! What a blessing! 8:18-39 13-- Test and Review
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 1 Lesson One "Introduction to Romans AUTHORSHIP The practice of early writers was to place their names first in their letters or books. The Letter to the Roman Christians begins this way and indicates that Paul, the Apostle, was its writer. PAUL'S LIFE Books have been written about Paul's life and works. He was of Hebrew descent, but a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, which was a colony of the Romans. This gave Paul free Roman citizenship. He was educated by Gamaliel, the great Pharisaic teacher. Saul, as he was known among the Jews, was a most unmerciful persecutor of early Christians, but was converted a few years after the church began. The Lord appeared to him to make him a chosen Apostle to the Gentiles, which consumed the rest of his life on earth. He began preaching at Damascus, but had to leave, because of persecution, to go in to Arabia. Upon returning from Arabia, he went up to Jerusalem for a very short stay and then on to Tarsus, his former home. When the work began in Antioch a little later, Barnabas went up from Jerusalem, and after a while sought Paul to come and work with him, which he did for a year. Contributions were sent to Jerusalem by the hands of Barnabas and Paul when they learned of the famine. When they returned to Antioch, the Holy Spirit selected them to carry the Gospel to other regions. Paul made three great missionary journey before finally being carried to Rome as a prisoner. His stay in Rome was about two years; and, it is believed, was released. He was afterwards arrested again, brought to Rome and there suffered martyrdom in about the year A.D. 67. Here is a man that few persons can successfully compare with in his greatness of life, work, service, devotion, and zeal as he followed the risen Lord. REASONS FOR WRITING Several reasons could be suggested as to why this Letter was written to the Christians at Rome: (1) He longed to go to Rome, but up to now was unable; thus, he wrote to them till he could go (Rom. 1:11-13); (2) He felt they needed to be better established in the faith since no Apostle had assisted them in their beginning (Rom. 1:11-13); (3) Because of fear that Judaizing teachers might destroy the work before he had an opportunity to thoroughly ground them (Rom. 16:17-18); (4) Phoebe could serve as a letter-bearer as she traveled to Rome (Rom. 16:1-2). TIME & PLACE OF WRITING It is very probable that Paul wrote this Letter at Corinth. The reasons are as follows: (1) Phoebe was evidently the one through whom the Letter reached the church at Rome (Rom. 16:1-2). She lived at Cenchrea, a short distance from Corinth. (2) Greetings were sent from Gaius, Paul's host at this time (Rom. 16:23). There was a Gaius that lived at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:14). (3) Erastus sent greetings, and Corinth seemed to have been his home (2 Tim. 4:20). (4) Greetings were sent to Priscilla and Aquila (Rom. 16:3). The last time we heard of these two was when Paul left them at Ephesus and upon his return, they were still there. But he stayed over two years in Ephesus before going to Corinth, which would be sufficient time for these two friends to return to their home in Rome, where the church was meeting. Aquila and Priscilla were forced to leave Rome because of the command of Claudius in A.D. 52, and now some four or five years later had returned. It is after this that Paul then goes to Greece and stays for three months before leaving to go back to
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 2 Jerusalem where he was imprisoned. Most of the dates therefore place the writing of Romans in A.D. 58, in the Spring, for it was in the Fall of 59 that he was imprisoned in Jerusalem. ORIGIN OF CHURCH It is definite that Paul had not as yet been to Rome. There are two definite possibilities of the church's origin: (1) The "strangers of Rome" that were present on the Day of Pentecost when the church began could have been among the number who became Christians. It seems to be evident that most of these early converts stayed in Jerusalem for further instruction until the great persecution made them scatter. The church at Antioch was begun by those scattered abroad, and it is also possible that the Roman church was begun by the same means, though not recorded. (2) Another possibility that can be suggested is that as Paul traveled into areas close to Rome carrying the Gospel, a few of these converts from different places may have moved to Rome. This was nothing unusual by any means, since Rome was the capital of the world. One of the main reasons for believing that the church at Rome was at least made up of such, if not begun by such, is the fact that Paul knew so many of them by name and greeted them in his Letter to the Romans (Rom. 16:1-16). The church at Rome was known for its faith and obedience (Rom. 1:8; 16:19). Since Rome was a large city, it is supposed that small groups of the church were meeting in different homes, and that they did not have any central meeting location. It is also evident that the church was made up of Jews and Gentiles, and the Gentiles were the more numerous.the Letter to the Romans is looked upon as the greatest exposition of Christianity and its true meaning of any book in the New Testament. I. INTRODUCTION (1:1-17) Outline of Romans By Roy Deaver A. The Salutation. 1:1-7 B. Paul's attitude toward those addressed. 1:8-15 C. The Theme. 1:16-17 II. GOD'S PLAN FOR MAN'S RIGHTEOUSNESS (1:18-11:36) A. The NEED for the Gospel. 1:18-3:20 B. The FACT of the Gospel. 3:21-31 C. The NATURE of the Gospel. 4:1-25 D. The BLESSINGS of the Gospel. 5:1-21 E. The OBLIGATIONS of the Gospel. 6:1-23 F. The GOVERNING FACTOR of the Gospel. 7:1-8:39 1) Not the Mosaic Law. 7:1-25 2) But the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. 8:1-39 G. The condition of fleshly Israel in their rejection of the Gospel. 9:1-11:36
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 3 III. THE APPLICATION OF THE GOSPEL IN THEIR LIVES (12:1-153) A. In basic attitudes. 12:1-3 B. In personal functions. 12:3-8 C. In everyday persona living. 12:9-21 D. In relationship to civil authorities. 13:1-7 E. In concern for others. 13:8-10 F. In the Christian's walk. 13:11-14 G. In matters of indifference. 14:1-15:3 H. In consideration of the Christ. 15:3-12 I. In providing hope. 15:13 IV. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS (15:14-16:27) A. Persuasion. 15:14 B. Remembrance. 15:15-16 C. The Gentiles. 15:16-24 D. Ministering to the Saints. 15:25-27 E. Personal Plans and Hopes. 15:28-29 F. Request for prayers. 15:30-33 G. Commendation of Phoebe. 16:1-2 H. Salutations. 16:3-16 I. Warning. 16:17-20 J. Greetings. 16:21-24 K. Doxology. 16:25-27 Questions for discussion (1:1-7) 1. How is Paul identified to the Saints at Rome? 2. What had been promised before by the Prophets? 3. What are the Holy Scriptures that are mentioned? 4. How is Jesus the "Seed" of David? 5. What event declared Jesus to be the Son of God with Power? 6. What things does Paul tell us about the Gospel of God? 7. What was the design of Paul's grace he received and his Apostleship? 8. How does he identify those to whom he is writing?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 4 Questions Lesson Two "Paul's Willingness to Impart the Powerful Gospel" (Rom. 1:8-16) 1. What was spoken of throughout the whole world? How? 2. What was Paul's unceasing Prayer? How long had he prayed this prayer? 3. Why did Paul desire to come unto them? a) b) c) d) e) Jas. 4:13-15; Acts 16:6-8 4. Does Paul state how he was hindered in coming unto them? 5. To whom did Paul feel debtor and why? 6. Did Paul want to preach the Gospel to the Saints at Rome? 7. What has God ordained to be His power to save those who believe? 8. What are some reasons for not being ashamed of the Gospel? a) b) c) d) e) 9. How did Paul know about the church at Rome? 10. Is every Christian a debtor like Paul?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 5 11. What is the theme of the book of Romans? 12. Define Gospel. 13. Define Power. 14. Define Salvation 15. Why is the Jew considered first? 16. Name some good attitudes Paul has about himself in vs. 1-16. v. 1 v. 7 v. 8 v. 9 v. 12 v. 13 v. 13 v. 14 v. 16
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 6 Questions Lesson Three "The Gentile World's Sinful Condition" (Rom. 1:17-32) 1. Where do we go to find the righteousness of God revealed? 2. What does it mean, "The just shall live by faith?" 3. Upon whom is the wrath of God threatened? 4. How does unrighteousness affect truth? 5. In what way has God manifested Himself to man before Christ came? 6. Why were the Gentiles without excuse? 7. How does the creation of the world show God's eternal power and Godhead? 8. What did God have a right to expect of man? a) b) 9. How did man show his foolishness? 10. What does it mean that God gave man up? 11. What did man do with the truth of God and about God?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 7 12. To what extent did man degrade himself morally? 13. How did God give them over to a reprobate (godless) mind? 14. Define the following: a) Unrighteousness m) Haters of God b) Fornication n) Despiteful c) Wickedness o) Proud d) Covetousness p) Boasters e) Maliciousness q) Inventors of evil things f) Envy r) Disobedient to parents g) Murder s) Without understanding h) Debate t) Covenant-breakers i) Deceit u) Without natural affection j) Malignity v) Implacable k) Whisperers w) Unmerciful l) Backbiters 15. Did these people know these things were wrong and would be punished?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 8 Questions Lesson Four "The Jewish World's Sinful Condition" (Rom. 2:1-3:8) 1. What is said to the "self-righteous" Judge? 2. What leads man to repentance? 3. What causes man to deserve judgment of God? 4. Who will receive eternal life? 5. Who will receive indignation, wrath, tribulation and anguish? 6. What does it mean God is no respecter of persons? 7. What does it mean that people without Law will perish? 8. Who is the person judged just before God? 9. In what sense are the Gentiles a Law unto themselves? 10. What will Jesus use to Judge the secrets of men's hearts? 11. Name 10 things that Paul states the Jews boast in. a) f) b) g) c) h) d) i) e) J) 12. How was the Name of God blasphemed among the Gentiles because of the Jews?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 9 13. Who does Paul say is a true Jew? 14. What advantage does Paul say the Jew had? 15. Should the unbelief of some Jews discount or set-aside the promises of God? 16. Who becomes the liar? 17. What had been slanderously reported about Paul's preaching?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 10 Questions Lesson Five "Man's Hope lies in Faith in Jesus" (Rom. 3:9-31) 1. In what sense has Paul proven both Jew and Gentile under sin? 2. Why is it necessary for the world to become guilty before God? 3. Can man be justified by the deeds of the Law? 4. How did the Law and Prophets witness of the righteousness of God without the Law? 5. How is Grace different in justifying than justification by Law? 6. How is God shown to be just in forgiving sins under the Law? 7. What does away with man's boasting? 8. What is meant b y "the Law of Faith?" 9. How does faith establish the Law? 10. What does it mean, Christ is our propitiation? 11. What does it mean to be justified by faith without the deeds of the Law? 12. Explain the difference between being justified by faith and through faith?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 11 13. What is the significance of this statement "There is no fear of God before their eyes?" 14. What is the righteousness of God? 15. Why must both Jew and Gentile be justify by faith?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 12 Questions Lesson Six "Abraham, an Example of Such Justification" (Rom. 4:1-12) 1. If Abraham were justified before God by works, what could he have done? 2. What Old Testament passage is quoted to show how Abraham was justified? 3. To whom is a debt owed? 4. Whose faith is counted unto him for righteousness? 5. How does David's quotation prove that a person is not justified by works? 6. Was Abraham circumcised when he was justified before God by faith? Prove your answer. 7. What is so important about Abraham not being circumcised? 8. Why is it so important to walk in the steps of Abraham?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 13 Questions Lesson Seven "Justification is by Grace Through Faith" (4:13-5:11) 1. How is Abraham an heir of the world through the righteousness of faith? 2. Can there be sin if there is no Law? 3. Why does it state that justification must be by grace through faith? 4. Why is Abraham rightfully called the father of many nations? 5. How is Abraham's strong faith illustrated? 6. What does it mean to impute righteousness? 7. When will righteousness be imputed to any man? 8. When does peace with God come? 9. Why glory in tribulation? 10. How is the love of God shed abroad in our hearts? 11. How did God commend His love to us? 12. Describe what these terms mean: a) Justified b) Saved c) Reconciled d) Atonement
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 14 Questions Lesson Eight "Man's Loss in Adam regained in Christ" (Rom. 5:12-21) 1. In what sense did sin enter into the world by one man? 2. How could sin be in the world when there is no Law? 3. Why did death reign over mankind from Adam to Moses? 4. How is Adam a figure of Him that was to come? 5. How did the gift of grace abound unto many? 6. Is it unfair that many should die because of one man's offense? 7. How could many be made sinners by one man's offense? 8. For what purpose did God add the Law? 9. In what sense does grace abound much more?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 15 Questions Lesson Nine "The Loosing from the Hold of Sin" (Rom. 6:1-23) 1. When does a person die to sin? 2. What relationship does Baptism have to Jesus' death? 3. What is baptism called (in regards to how it is perform)? 4. Who will be in the likeness of Jesus' resurrection? 5. In what sense is the body of sin destroyed? 6. Who is freed from sin and how? 7. Who will live with Christ? 8. Unto whom are we alive? 9. How do we know that sin is reigning in our mortal bodies? 10. What does the phrase mean: "You are not under Law, but under Grace?" 11. How can you tell who a person is a servant of? 12. How did the Romans obey a form of the doctrine delivered to them? 13. Who becomes a servant of righteousness?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 16 14. Why should I yield my members as servants to righteousness unto holiness? 15. What things bring death? 16. Who has fruit unto holiness? 17. What is the wages of sin? 18. What is the gift of God?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 17 Questions Lesson Ten "The Struggle to Keep Law" (Rom. 7:1-25) 1. When is a woman loosed from the Law of her husband? 2. Who is called an adulteress by the Law? 3. Who is dead to the Law and why? 4. What did the Law work in our members? 5. In what sense are we delivered from the Law? 6. How can man know what sin is? 7. When was Paul without the Law? 8. How could God's commandment be ordained to death? 9. How could Paul say that the Law was holy, just, and good? 10. How could sin become exceedingly sinful? 11. How is the Law spiritual? 12. How do I consent to the fact that the Law is good?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 18 13. Why does Paul say that sin caused him to do evil? 14. How is a person brought into captivity to the Law of sin? 15. Through whom does deliverance come from the body of this death?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 19 Questions Lesson Eleven "The Struggle of the Flesh & Spirit" (Rom. 8:1-17) 1. To whom is there no condemnation? 2. What is the Law of Sin and Death? 3. Wherein was the Law weak? 4. How is the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in us? 5. Who minds the things of the flesh? 6. What does carnally-mindedness lead to? 7. Why can't the carnal mind be subject to the Law of God? 8. Who is in the flesh that cannot please God? 9. Why must we have the Spirit of Christ? 10. What will quicken our mortal bodies? 11. Who will live? 12. Who are sons of God? 13. Why can we cry "Abba, Father?"
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 20 14. How does God's Spirit bear witness with our spirits that we are children of God? 15. Who will be glorified together with Christ?
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 21 Questions Lesson Twelve "Children of God! What a Blessing!" (Rom. 8:18-39) 1. What will also enjoy a deliverance along with the children of God? 2. What groans and travails in pain? 3. Who waits for the redemption of their bodies? 4. How are we saved by hope? 5. In what sense is the Spirit an intercessor for us? 6. To whom will all things work together for good? 7. Does the Bible teach predestination? 8. Define: a) Foreknow b) Predestinate c) Called d) Justified e) Glorified 9. How can we know that God will freely give us all things? 10. Do we have to worry about what others say against us in a condemning way? 11. How are we more than conquerors? 12. What cannot separate us from the Lord of God
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 22 Lesson Thirteen True or False "Test and Review" 1. The Ascension of Jesus declared Jesus to be the Son of God with Power. 2. The church at Rome was not well known at this time of writing. 3. The Gospel is God's power to save those who believe it. 4. The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God. 5. Mankind chose to give up the true knowledge of God. 6. God's wrath leads men to repentance. 7. God is a respecter of persons. 8. A true Jew is one who has been circumcised. 9. Paul had been accused of preaching cheap grace. 10. Mankind can be justified by the Law. 11. There is no such thing as the "Law of Faith." 12. Christ is man's propitiation. 13. Abraham was justified before he was circumcised. 14. Man can only be a sinner if he breaks God's Law. 15. Righteousness is imputed to a man, not given. 16. Peace with God can only come through Law keeping. 17. Many have died because one man sinned. 18. Man can never be made free from sin. 19. Obeying the Gospel sets man free. 20. God's commandment was ordained to bring death. 21. The Law is spiritual.
Study of Romans 1-8 Page 23 22. If one does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not a child of God. 23. We have to be led by the Spirit of God to be a child of God. 24. The Christian is saved by Hope as well as by Faith. 25. Only the Christian can separate himself from the Love of God